23. 07. 10. - 15:00

'Dead' sunbathing birds shock zoo visitors

Bosses at Vienna’s Schönbrunn Zoo have appealed to visitors to stop informing carers of birds allegedly having collapsed in the sweltering heat, explaining it was just the way they enjoy the sun.

Zoo director Dagma Schratter said today (Fri) staff have received dozens of calls from shocked visitors saying the zoo’s South American Seriema birds had passed away.

She explained: "As soon as the sun comes out, the Seriema can't wait to lie on the ground and spread out its wings to enjoy the sunshine. The sight of the poor bird lying in the sun with its feet pointed up in the air is alarming many visitors, but we want to tell them that they don't need to worry"

The number of visitors worrying about the birds’ wellbeing is set to slump drastically as the current heatwave – featuring top temperatures of 37 degrees centigrade – is about to disappear.

Meteorologists announced the weekend will bring cool temperatures and a lot of rain to the country.

Schönbrunn Zoo is the world’s oldest zoo and a top tourist attraction. It is located in the gardens of Vienna’s breathtaking Schönbrunn Palace. The zoo was found best in Europe by a British survey last year.

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